Changing Variable Values in the Planning Modeler 

Use

In the planning modeler, you want to check a planning function that can be parameterized using variables or execute a planning sequence that contains objects that can be parameterized using variables. In both cases, you want to change the values of the variables in the planning modeler:

●     In order to check a planning function, you have to assign variable values to all the variables that are set as mandatory; a dialog box appears in which you enter values for the variable.

●     When you execute a planning sequence, you can change the values of the mandatory and optional variables in the appropriate input area at any time; the planning sequence is processed using the values that you enter.

You can also personalize individual values by assigning a particular value to it. This value is valid until you reset the personalized setting. Personalization means that you do not have to manually configure your personal variable settings each time. In this instance, BI Integrated Planning uses BEx personalization for variable values (see Personalization in BEx).

 

In the planning modeler, the variable values entered in the current session are noted and set automatically, if they are required. This ensures that you do not have to manually maintain the same variables several times.  

Features

In the planning modeler, you can change variable values to check a planning function or execute a planning sequence, if the variables are being used in the following objects:

●     Variables in filters (see Filtersa)

●     Variables in planning functions (see Planning Functionssa)

Depending on how the variable is defined and used, the variable values can come from different sources. Generally the following options are available:

●     Default value for the variable

●     Personalization for the variable

●     Variants saved previously

●     Variable values entered previously (automatic)

●     Values maintained manually

Activities

You are on the Planning Functions tab page and have chosen the check function for a planning function with required entry variables, or you are on the Planning Sequences tab page in display mode for a planning sequence that contains variables. In the first case, the system shows a dialog box for entering variables; in the second, an input area. It lists all the variables that are available in the current application context. The following activities are possible:

Manual Maintenance of Variable Values

If you have chosen one of the layouts that contains the Key, you can enter variable values manually in the lead column of the variable value.

 

To display the lead column of the variable value, select the appropriate layout or change the table settings accordingly.

In addition, input help is available for selecting values for some variable types.

Personalizing Variables

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       1.      To personalize values for variables or reset personalized values, choose Personalized Variables. A dialog box appears in which you can choose personalized variables.

       2.      To personalize variables, select one or more variables from the table of available variables and insert these values.  To reset personalized values, choose one or more variables from the table of personalized variables and choose Remove.

       3.      You can also change the values in the personalized variables table at a later time.

       4.      Personalized variables are not displayed in the dialog box or input area by default. If you want to display personalized values, choose the Display Personalized Variables option.

       5.      Choose OK. The dialog box for entering variables or the corresponding input area appears.

 

In the table settings, you can display a column for personalized values and a column for resetting the personalized values. The column for personalized values indicates a personalized variable; the column for resetting the personalized value allows you to reset the current variable value to the personalized value.

Selection and Maintenance of Variants

In the Available Variants selection box, you can select an existing variant. The values determined for the variables in the variants are automatically set as the current values.

●     To save the current values as a new variant, choose Save. The Save Variant dialog box appears. Enter a description for the variant and select OK.

●     To change an existing variant, select an existing variant from the Available Variants selection box. As a result, the current variables contain the variable values from the variant. Change the values manually and choose Save.

●     To save an existing variant as a new variant, select an existing variant from the Available Variants selection box. Choose Save As. The Save Variant As dialog box appears. Change the description of the variant and select OK.

●     To delete an existing variant, select an existing variant from the Available Variants selection box. Choose Delete.

●     To delete the properties of an existing variant, select an existing variant from the Available Variants selection box. Choose Properties. The Change Variant Properties dialog box appears. Change the properties of the variant and choose OK.

 

An existing variant can be marked as an initial variant. This variant is set automatically each time variable input is called. To do this, you select an existing variant from the Available Variants selection box. Choose Properties. The Change Variant Properties dialog box appears. Choose Use as Initial Variantand choose OK.

Check Current Variable Values

To check the current values, choose Check.